On November 20, 2015, Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, the capital city of Mali, experienced a terrorist attack that left 21 people dead. The incident was carried out by militants associated with al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and al-Mourabitoun. The attack, which lasted for over eight hours, was one of the deadliest acts of terrorism that the country had ever seen. This blog post aims at taking a closer look at what happened during the attack, the groups responsible for it, and the aftermath of the incident.
The Attack
According to reports, two gunmen arrived at the hotel, one driving a vehicle marked UN and another pretending to be a guest. They arrived at the hotel early morning and carried out the attack. The gunmen indiscriminately fired at guests, setting off a deadly chain of events. They then entered the hotel and proceeded to take hostages on the seventh floor. Around 170 hostages were held in the hotel before Malian security forces intervened to secure the area and eliminate the terrorists.
The attack was carried out just a week after the Paris terrorist attack, which claimed 130 lives and injured hundreds more. AQIM, the al-Qaida affiliate in North Africa, and al-Mourabitoun, a radical Islamic group, claimed responsibility for the attack almost immediately.
The Terrorist Groups
AQIM is a North African Islamic militant group founded in 2002. The group operates across North and West Africa, and it has been involved in a number of high-profile attacks. The group aims at establishing Islamic governance through the use of force in areas where it is present.
Al-Mourabitoun is another jihadist group that is active in Mali. The group was formed by former members of AQIM and Boko Haram. It has carried out a number of terrorist attacks in the country, and it is known for targeting foreign nationals, including French citizens.
It is important to note that the two groups have collaborated in the past and share a similar ideology, which explains why they were able to launch the attack together.
The Aftermath of the Attack
The attack sent shockwaves across the world, and it triggered an outpouring of condemnation from international leaders. The Malian authorities announced three days of national mourning, and the French President sent in troops to assist in the rescue operation.
The attack also prompted several countries to issue travel warnings to their citizens who were planning to travel to Mali. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), for instance, advised against all but essential travel to Bamako, while the US State Department issued a travel warning that discouraged American travel to the country.
The assault on Radisson Blu underscores the heightened threat of terrorism in Mali, a country that has been battling an Islamist insurgency for several years. The country has experienced an uptick in extremist violence since 2012 when Islamist militants took over the northern part of the country.
Conclusion
The attack on Radisson Blu Hotel in Mali was a devastating reminder of the persistence of terrorism in Africa. It was also a reminder of the dangers that face anyone traveling to regions plagued by violent extremism. While the attack was carried out by AQIM and al-Mourabitoun – groups known for their jihadist ideology and tactical prowess – it underscored a worrying trend that is spreading across the continent.
As the world continues to grapple with the menace of terrorism, it is important that nations come together to formulate more coherent strategies to confront the threat. Such strategies should not only focus on military intervention but also seek to address the root causes of violent extremism.
FAQ
What type of hotel is Radisson?
Radisson was established as a full-service, upscale brand of Carlson Hotels’ Group. However, in 1986, Carlson Companies, the parent company of Carlson Hotels, introduced another brand under its portfolio that caters to the middle-class market, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. Originally established as Country Inn & Suites, the addition of the “by Radisson” tagline to its name was only recently done in 2018.
Despite not being the main Radisson brand, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson prides itself on offering a warm, welcoming ambiance with top-notch amenities. Its hotels are conveniently located near popular tourist destinations, business districts, and transportation hubs. Guests can expect a comfortable, homely atmosphere with the added benefit of professional service that you would normally expect from pricier hotels.
The hotel rooms are spacious, well-appointed, and come fully equipped with modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. Furthermore, there are plenty of on-site facilities available for guests such as a 24-hour fitness center, indoor heated pool, business center, and even a complimentary hot breakfast.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is a brand that provides affordable, yet comfortable accommodations to travelers. While its sister brand Radisson Hotels caters to a more luxurious clientele, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson allows guests to enjoy the same level of comfort and convenience at an affordable price.